Band treats area school children to show at Memorial Auditorium

Area band students received a professional and entertaining music lesson Thursday from Dave Bennett's Clarinet Swing Kings.

The musicians performed for students at Memorial Auditorium as part of an educational component of Burlington Civic Music Association's 2012-13 season.

"We don't get to play for many students on most of our trips," Bennett told the students. "So, whenever we can, we like to put on a show for the students."

Leading his group in concerts in 30 states and performances with more than 20 orchestras, Bennett is considered one of the greatest clarinetists today.

A native of Michigan, Bennett is a self-taught prodigy who began playing a clarinet given to him by his grandfather at age 10.

"I think there are a lot of students that don't have the opportunity to attend something like this," said Bill Fry, market president for Great Western Bank, who sponsored the event. "I think it's special to bring the students here and expose them to talent that they may otherwise not have a chance to see and listen to."

Fry estimated there were about 400 students at the event from schools in Burlington, West Burlington and Fort Madison.

"We wanted to expose students to a different sort of culture," said Scott Teater, a music teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Fort Madison. "We wanted to bring our fifth- and sixth-graders to experience this because many of them have never been able to hear professional musicians. We thought it would be a great way to teach them about a different kind of music and get them to hear professional music."

Lexi Rodgers and Audrey White, fifth-graders from Great River Christian School, sat near the front of the stage during the performance.

Like the rest of the students, they cheered on the performers and danced in their chairs to some of the songs.

"It was awesome," Audrey said. "I really liked it."

Lexi also said she enjoyed the performance. She said listening to the group perform in person was really exciting.

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